The controversies regarding India's participation in the Asia Cup 2023, to be hosted by Pakistan, continue as the country begins their preparations for the tournament as well as the subsequent ODI World Cup.
Speaking during a press conference in Nagpur, India's sports minister Anurag Thakur spoke was coy about the issues surrounding the Asia Cup. “Let the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) take a call on the Indian team's participation in Asia Cup first, then only the sports ministry and home ministry will decide,” he told the press.
Meanwhile, an ICC meeting on the same is touted to take place between March 17-20, with the Asia Cup and its hosting rights one of the points of contention.
"All stakeholders will be present at the meeting and there are chances that the matter of Asia Cup will be discussed on the sidelines," a source told Sports Tak.
In the last ACC meeting held in Bahrain, the issue pertaining to the 2023 Asia Cup was deferred to the next meeting.
"The decision will be taken in accordance with the case presented by the stakeholders but it's very likely that the tournament will be shifted out of Pakistan to some other venue," the source added.
Thakur also spoke about increasing the number of Khelo India centres across the country. “As of now we have sanctioned 945 Khelo India centres and before August 15 the government will achieve the target of 1,000 such centres across the country. Our goal is to start at least one Khelo India centre in each district.
"The central government is focused on the promotion of sports. In 2014, the 900 crore sports budget rose to 3,397 crores. Even the five-year plan of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) has been extended to another five years,” he added.
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